Everything You Need to Know About

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Botanical family: Rosaceae
Parts used: Leaves Flowers
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
by Hannah Lewis
Left Image

Overview and Health Benefits

Meadowsweet, with its delicate, creamy-white flowers and sweet, almond-like scent, has long been cherished in both traditional and modern herbal medicine for its remarkable ability to soothe and heal. Often likened to a natural aspirin, this herb's therapeutic properties are as versatile as they are potent, offering relief from digestive discomfort, pain, and inflammation. Intriguingly, the name "aspirin" itself was inspired by meadowsweet’s old botanical name Spiraea, as the plant is rich in salicylic acid—the compound from which aspirin is synthesised (Nitta et al., 2013). Meadowsweet is a true gem in the herbal world, its gentle yet effective actions making it a go-to remedy for a variety of ailments.

Key Benefits:

  • Gastrointestinal Health
  • Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects
  • Respiratory Support
  • Diuretic and Kidney Support
  • Antioxidant Activity

Meadowsweet is particularly valued for its ability to soothe and protect the digestive tract. Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it effective in treating conditions such as gastritis, acid reflux, and peptic ulcers. The herb’s salicylates and tannins work synergistically to reduce inflammation and protect the mucous membranes, providing relief from irritation and excess acidity (McIntyre, 2019; Nitta et al., 2013).

Known for its natural salicylates, meadowsweet has been historically used to alleviate pain and inflammation. It is particularly effective in treating headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and arthritis. Unlike synthetic aspirin, meadowsweet’s salicylates are buffered by the plant’s other constituents, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal irritation (Wood, 2011; Drummond et al., 2013). This makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a gentler alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers.

Meadowsweet’s anti-inflammatory properties extend to the respiratory system, where it can help alleviate symptoms of colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. Its ability to reduce fever and soothe mucous membranes makes it a valuable herb for treating upper respiratory infections and associated symptoms like sore throats and coughs (Felter & Lloyd, 1898; Denev et al., 2014).

Traditionally, meadowsweet has been used as a mild diuretic to support kidney and bladder health. Its diuretic action helps in the elimination of excess fluids and toxins from the body, making it useful in treating conditions such as cystitis and water retention. The herb’s gentle action ensures that it supports urinary health without causing undue strain on the kidneys (Farzaneh et al., 2022).

Recent studies have highlighted meadowsweet’s potent antioxidant properties, which contribute to its protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. The herb’s rich content of flavonoids and polyphenols helps to neutralise free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and cancer (Calliste et al., 2001; Piwowarski et al., 2014). This antioxidant activity also supports its traditional use in promoting overall health and longevity.

Safety

While it is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, meadowsweet should be approached with caution by certain individuals. The herb contains salicylates, which are chemically related to aspirin, and therefore may pose a risk to individuals with salicylate sensitivity or those allergic to aspirin (Mills & Bone, 2013). There is also evidence suggesting that salicylates might interfere with iron absorption, thus it is recommended to separate the intake of iron supplements and meadowsweet by a few hours (Pizzorno & Murray, 2013). As with any herbal remedy, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medications. 

Featured Products Containing Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

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Digestion Tincture (100ml)
£19.99
Female Vitality Herbal Tincture | For Reproductive & Hormonal Support | 100ml
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Joint & Muscle Bath Salts – With Epsom Salt, Ginger, Meadowsweet & Essential Oils, 500g
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Acid Calm Capsules | Acid Reflux & Indigestion Support with Herbal Ingredients | 60 Capsules
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Key Body Systems Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) relates to

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Digestive System
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Musculoskeletal System
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Urinary system
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Immune System

Energetics

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Drying
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Cooling

Key actions

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antacid
  • Astringent
  • Diaphoretic
  • Antimicrobial
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Key uses

  • Stomach acidity and heartburn
  • Ulcers
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Arthritis and rheumatism
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Pain

Where to Find Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Often referred to as Queen-of-the-meadow (meadowsweet’s common name in French is “reine-des-près”, or literally Queen-of-the-meadow), meadowsweet can often be found in moist meadows, with beautiful almond-scented flowers in Summer. The plant is a striking perennial herb that belongs to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses, apples, and strawberries. It typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 metres (3 to 6 feet), with tall, elegant, and sometimes reddish or purple stems that are a hallmark of its majestic presence in the wild. Its leaves are dark green on the top and velvety white underneath, with a distinctively serrated, pinnate structure. The foliage is finely divided, giving the plant a fern-like appearance that adds to its graceful allure.

One of the most recognisable features of meadowsweet is its clusters of creamy-white, tiny flowers that bloom abundantly from June to September. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also highly aromatic, emitting a sweet, almond-like fragrance that attracts bees, flies, and beetles, making it an important plant for pollinators. The flowers are arranged in dense, irregularly branched inflorescences that add a soft, cloud-like texture to the landscape.

Meadowsweet thrives in damp environments, often found in meadows, along riverbanks, and in wetlands across Europe and Western Asia. It prefers moist, slightly acidic soils and is commonly seen flourishing in full sun to partial shade. 

When foraging meadowsweet, it is crucial to ensure correct identification, as the plant's distinctive features—its height, serrated leaves, and fragrant white flowers—set it apart from other species. However, caution should be exercised to avoid areas that may have been sprayed with pesticides or contaminated by pollutants. Always forage responsibly, taking only what you need and leaving enough for the local ecosystem to thrive.

 

References

Calliste, C. A., Trouillas, P., Allais, D. P., Simon, A., & Duroux, J. L. (2001). Free radical scavenging activities measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and B16 cell antiproliferative behaviors of seven plants. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 49(7). https://doi.org/10.1021/jf010086v 

Denev, P., Kratchanova, M., Ciz, M., Lojek, A., Vasicek, O., Blazheva, D., Nedelcheva, P., Vojtek, L., & Hyrsl, P. (2014). Antioxidant, antimicrobial and neutrophil-modulating activities of herb extracts. Acta Biochimica Polonica, 61(2), 359-367. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24945135/ 

Drummond, E. M., Harbourne, N., Marete, E., Jacquier, J. C., O'Riordan, D., & Gibney, E. R. (2013). An in vivo study examining the anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile, meadowsweet, and willow bark in a novel functional beverage. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 10(4), 370-380. https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2013.830680

Farzaneh, A., Hadjiakhoondi, A., Khanavi, M., Manayi, A., Bahramsoltani, R., & Kalkhorani, M. (2022). Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. (meadowsweet): A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy, 9(3), 85–106. https://doi.org/10.22127/RJP.2021.302028.1781

Felter, H. W., & Lloyd, J. U. (1898). King's American Dispensatory. Retrieved from https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/filipendula.html

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor. Aeon. 

Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

Nitta, Y., Kikuzaki, H., Azuma, T., Ye, Y., Sakaue, M., Higuchi, Y., & Ueno, H. (2013). Inhibitory activity of Filipendula ulmaria constituents on recombinant human histidine decarboxylase. Food Chemistry, 138(2-3), 1551-1556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.10.074 

Piwowarski, J., Granica, S., & Kiss, A. K. (2014). Role of human gut microbiota metabolism in the anti-inflammatory effect of traditionally used ellagitannin-rich plant material. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), 801-808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.032 

Pizzorno, J. E., & Murray, M. T. (2013). Textbook of Natural Medicine (4th ed.). Churchill Livingstone.

Wood, M. (2011). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books.